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2013 NAIAS: Autobytel Editors Share Insights From Predominant North American Auto Show

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Traditionally, the Detroit Auto Show is the most important one in North America in terms of news and product debuts, if not physical size. Each January, auto manufacturers from around the world descend upon Detroit to unveil their latest models, and the Autobytel team was on the ground in the Motor City to gather all the news, filter the noise, and tell consumers what they need to know.

"With so many important introductions and announcements, the Autobytel team made sure to cover everything," said Autobytel editor-in-chief Michelle Naranjo. "Our editorial team offers a unique perspective from the show that includes articles and photos on our website along with interviews and videos from the show."

Nearly every manufacturer had something to announce at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) this year. From concept vehicles, to new technologies, to new vehicle announcements, this year's NAIAS had it all. Following are some highlights from the show:

AcuraThe 2014 Acura MDX Concept offers 7-passenger seating and a choice between front- and all-wheel drive with a more fuel-efficient V-6 engine.

AudiAudi unveiled four new performance models in Detroit: the 2013 Audi SQ5, the 2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet, the 2014 Audi RS7, and the 2013 Audi R8.

CadillacThe 2014 Cadillac ELR is built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Volt, employing an electric drive motor powered by a rechargeable battery pack and equipped with a gasoline engine that serves as a generator when the battery charge is depleted.

InfinitiIn advance of the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Infiniti announced new naming conventions for its lineup, which will commence starting with the 2014 model year. The cars are now the Q50, Q60, and Q70, while the SUVs are now the QX50, QX60, QX70 and QX80.

With that out of the way, the company debuted the new 2014 Q50 in Detroit.

MaseratiThe 2014 Maserati Quattroporte is the first of several new Maserati models that the company hopes will help it to significantly increase sales around the world.

Mercedes-BenzThe big story from Mercedes-Benz in Detroit was the debut of the CLA-Class, a new entry-level Mercedes slotting into the lineup beneath the C-Class.

MiniThe 2014 MINI John Cooper Works Paceman is equipped with a 218-horsepower turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, a sport suspension, sport brakes, and a sport exhaust.

NissanNissan revealed upgrades for the 2013 Nissan LEAF at the Detroit Auto Show, explaining that the electric car now offers expanded range, shorter recharging time, a lower base price, more cargo room, and additional features.

TeslaThe 2014 Tesla Model Xmade its official debut in Detroit, an electric crossover SUV built upon the same platform as the Model S sedan and offering a choice between rear- and all-wheel drive.

ToyotaToyota says the Corolla Furia Concept's "Iconic Dynamism" design provides hints as to how the next-generation 2014 Corolla will look when it arrives later this year.

VolkswagenDesigned specifically for North American consumption, the Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept is a 3-row, 7-passenger crossover SUV that strongly signals VW's intention to field an entry in this competitive vehicle class.

About Autobytel Inc.Autobytel Inc., an online leader offering consumer purchase requests and marketing resources to car dealers and manufacturers and providing consumers with the information they need to purchase new and used cars, pioneered the automotive Internet when it launched its flagship website in 1995. Autobytel continues to offer innovative products and services to help consumers buy, and auto dealers and manufacturers sell, more used and new cars. Autobytel has helped tens of millions of automotive consumers research vehicles; connected thousands of dealers nationwide with motivated car buyers; and helped every major automaker market its brand online. Through its flagship website, network of automotive sites and respected online affiliates, Autobytel continues its dedication to innovating the industry's highest quality Internet programs to provide consumers with a comprehensive and positive automotive research and purchasing experience, and auto dealers, dealer groups and auto manufacturers with some of the industry's most productive and cost-effective customer referral and marketing programs.